Melinda Papen, RN, MSN, has joined Samaritan Evergreen Hospice as the new director. A certified hospice and palliative care administrator, Papen has extensive experience and knowledge from working in hospice care for nearly 20 years.
Papen said she is excited to grow Samaritan Evergreen Hospice’s program and enhance the lives of people living with a terminal condition.
“Evergreen Hospice has a team of experts who are dedicated and passionate about providing quality, end-of-life care to those in our communities. I look forward to working beside them to expand our services,” Papen said. “I am thrilled to be joining this team.”
Samaritan Evergreen Hospice has a reputation for providing high-quality care and serves Albany, Corvallis, Lebanon and surrounding areas. Additionally, Samaritan Evergreen Hospice House in Albany is one of only four freestanding hospice inpatient facilities in Oregon.
Papen said the mission and culture of Samaritan aligned with her values of integrity, inclusion and living life with intention. Early in her career, Papen worked in an intensive care unit. She observed that conversations about quality of life weren’t happening, which inspired her to work in hospice.
“I became acutely aware of our ability to keep people alive without necessarily addressing their goals of care,” she said. “I envisioned a career where end-of-life discussions would occur openly and honestly.”
Papen earned an associate’s degree in nursing from Chemeketa Community College, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Washington State University and a master’s degree in nursing leadership and management from Western Governors University.
Previously, she was director of EvergreenHealth Hospice & Palliative Care in Kirkland, Washington. She also served on the board of directors for the Washington State Hospice & Palliative Care Organization. Papen has been an advocate for end-of-life care at the state and national levels and enjoys interacting with policymakers to influence change.
Away from the office, Papen enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and being outdoors.